gang in the 'hood

I’m not one to have total down time very often. If I’m not actually physically on the go, my brain is on the go for me – making lists, analyzing everything, planning for the future. So on those rare occasions when I am able to take a mental break it’s a much needed respite. Well tonight was one of those nights and I just want to officially thank the members of the South Tampa Porch Society (STPS) for helping me make it happen.

The “Steppers”, as they’re known (ok I just made that up, but it’s kinda catchy isn’t it, or wait, does it just sound like a group of addicts? Hmmm, maybe I should rethink that. But I digress. OK where was I? Oh right, as I was saying before this parenthetical interruption, The "Steppers"...), consist of a core of two couples - we’ll call them JP and JS – on one of my favorite corners in the neighborhood (the same place Kimbo and I have our morning confabs with the cats). The Steppers are all funny and smart (witness the brilliance of Kelly Headband) and there’s an easy and welcoming camaraderie between them that draws you in.

And on beautiful nights like tonight when the stars align and we all happen to meet up on the corner at the same time, an impromptu gathering will occur where drinks and words flow freely (no question is too personal), the worries of the day fade from memory and Kimbo gets to spend quality time with her feline friends. I’m still smiling.

Oh, and for future reference, John (1/2 JP), I like my donuts with chocolate sprinkles.

a fresh start

The saga of the missing pencil case continues. OK, it's not really a saga anymore because I have replaced my old case with a brand spanking new, indestructible (rip-stop nylon!), fabulously organized (separate compartments!) little number from Baggalini.

It’s actually a roll-up jewelry / cosmetic case but that can be our little secret. It’s available in a lot of fun colors but I got the practical black to hide the marks of all my (also new) pencils and pens. Now I just need to find some batteries for my new electric eraser and I’ll be back in business.

one small step

Several months ago I picked up Danny Gregory’s book "Everyday Matters" and was totally inspired to start sketching. But, being the perfectionist that I am, I’ve had a hard time getting started. The idea of using my precious moleskine as a practice ground for quick and imperfect sketches has contributed to my reluctance to put pen to paper.

Instead, I’ve been cruising sketching blogs of talented artists like Suzanne Buchanan and Tommy Kane and checking out Danny Gregory’s site.

But all this time, the urge to draw has been nagging at me to just DO IT. So this morning I finally did. I opened up the cheap little notebook I keep by my bed to unload miscellaneous thoughts and knocked out a quick little sketch while I was still groggy and before my rationalizing mind could interfere.

It's just a baby step, but at least it's a step in the direction I want to go.

fall color

Fall Color
Originally uploaded by Opiliones.

This tiny leaf is the lone bit of seasonal color to be found in my yard. Everything else remains perpetually green, including the rest of the leaves on this tree, so this little guy is special.

ready for her close-up

Kimbo got a new toy today and as usual has been keeping it close at hand (er...paw). This afternoon I hid the object of her affection for a game of "smell it - find it" (basically tracking exercises) and my fearless companion quickly rousted it from its hiding place. I had to run for the camera after she plopped down in the front yard and ever so carefully placed her prize between her daintily-crossed feet.

Click on the photo for the full Sears portrait studio effect ;)

what next?

Dang. There I was Tuesday morning, feeling all relaxed and happy after making it through a major milestone on our team project the night before when I suddenly realized my pencil case was missing. The case with all of my drafting tools - the electric eraser, the miniature scale, the very fine point expensive drawing pens, highlighters, mechanical pencils...at least a couple of hundred bucks worth of stuff - and (sob) the functionally elegant bag itself. And of course no one has seen it or turned it in. Sigh.